The vast majority of the postings to our forum are well mannered, respectful and appropriate. These rules do not intentionally change anything, they’re simply an attempt to be clear about that which should mostly be common sense. It may not be an exhaustive list but should be viewed as guidance for acceptable postings.
- When you post on the forum you are speaking to the whole community, not just a handful of mates in the pub. If you wouldn’t shout it in the street, don’t say it here.
- General chat is fine. It’s nice to see something about kayaking, but you can talk about whatever you like, subject to the provisos herein.
- Constructive debate is fine so long as it is respectful and courteous. It is encouraged where it is in the interest of the community. If it becomes overheated, or is likely to end that way, please either speak in person or use the telephone instead.
- The forum is not necessarily appropriate for all debates. Consider the consequences. Dirty laundry is best washed in private.
- Reporting of facts or events that are already in the public domain is fine. Consider whether information that is not already in the public domain is appropriate for publication. The spreading of rumours or the making of unsubstantiated claims (“fake news”) is not acceptable.
- Do not publish other members’ private information such as contact details, when or where they plan to paddle or such like unless they have either given their express permission or they have already published the same information themselves.
- Be cautious about the use of humour as the intent is not always clear in text form. It may be funny to a minority but can often be misconstrued by the remainder.
- Insults, name calling, defamation and all forms of personal attack are unacceptable.
- Use a subject line that is meaningful and appropriate.
- Use an appropriate forum category for the subject of the posting.
- Do not hijack an existing thread for a different purpose than the original post. Such later posts will be considered off-topic.
- Do not type in all capitals unless you want to SHOUT. Please don’t shout.
- Do not post copyright material.
- Do not post anything that might be considered offensive. This includes material that is, without limitation, illegal, obscene, sexually explicit, racist, homophobic, sexist, misogynist or otherwise discriminatory.
- Do not post anything that purports to be the view of East Coast Sea Kayaking Club, unless authorised to do so by the committee.
Breaches of these rules may result in the editing, deletion or moving of a posting and / or locking of a thread by the moderator(s) in the interests of protecting any affected party and / or the reputation and interests of the club. Breaches may also be referred to the committee for consideration under the terms of the constitution and in extreme cases may at least result in the banning of such individuals from the forum. If you have legitimate concerns about a posting on the forum it is best reported using the “report to moderator” button at the bottom of every posting. All such reports will be read and action will be taken if found to be appropriate.
